Do people with multiple sclerosis receive appropriate support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme matching their level of disability? A description of disease 'burden and societal cost in people with multiple sclerosis in Australia

ConclusionsThis is the first study to assess if NDIS packages correlate with internationally accepted disability scales. The NDIS support was correlated with disability measured by EDSS steps and cognition, but not psychological impact of the disease.What is known about the topic?There are over 25000 Australians living with multiple sclerosis, which is one of the most common neurological diseases leading to disability in early age. The National Disability Insurance Scheme has been introduced since 2013 to particularly assist young disabled Australians to participate in the community. Whether the approved package correlates with internationally accepted disability scores has not yet been assessed.What does this paper add?This study is the first to correlate disability, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS), with the approved package value.What are the implications for practitioners?Multiple sclerosis is a very variable disease affecting quality of life not only due to impairment of mobility, but also cognition and mental health. Although the NDIS package value was correlated with an EDSS and cognition, the psychological impact of the disease is often neglected.PMID:34543604 | DOI:10.1071/AH21056
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Source Type: research